March 17, 2003

Pot calling the kettle black

Here here... Add my voice to that of Terry Goldman and Karen Pao, it is the "atmosphere of trust" we live under which is abused by individuals, and then the whole suffers.

For the majority we are honest, hard working and patriotic. We are the best in the nation and should be afford the "entitlements" of that. Many times I have heard just that statement when it comes to raises. Waste fraud and abuse have no place here along with the attitudes of some of our congressmen. I was disturbed by the arrogance of the congressional committee. I am in no way condoning any activities, but in the end who is the real loser when these attitudes are made vocal and in the press.

In the hearing, which was drawn out over nearly nine hours because of numerous breaks for House votes, several members questioned the large settlement packages given to departing implicated managers.

For example, the security director and deputy director were retiring with settlement packages upward of $190,000 and $140,000, respectively.

"There are a lot of people in my district who would like to come to the Lab and get fired," Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon said.

This from the person(s) who raise their salaries nearly annually, voted themselves out of Social Security, and have one of the best pension/compensation plans known to man.

Another adage from the past... He who is without sin cast the first stone.....

--William L. Spurgeon